9 Nutritionist-Approved Ways to Satisfy Your Sweet Tooth

If you’ve got a mean sweet tooth, you know the struggle of trying to eat a balanced diet and wanting all the ice cream, all the time. While we’re all trying to cut down on processed foods and added sugar, constantly denying yourself a sugar fix is a surefire way to lose your mind—and eventually polish off an entire pint of Half Baked Ben & Jerry’s in 10 minutes flat. We asked a few nutritionists to share their go-to sweet tooth satisfiers—none of which will result in a sugar crash.

Instructions: Place all ingredients in a blender and puree until thick and creamy. It should be the same texture as mousse.

SIGGI'S STRAWBERRY & RHUBARB YOGURT

Yogurt is packed with protein, calcium, and probiotics, but many brands are also bursting with sugar. “I love Siggi’s because it contains minimal sugar, but still tastes great,” says Caspero. You'll get eight grams of sugar and 10 grams of protein in a 120 calorie serving, to be exact.

Who needs a candy bar when you can nosh on choco-drizzled granola, instead? “This bar is based on whole nuts and has the satisfying duo of fiber and protein,” says Jackie Newgent, R.D. “Only five grams of sugar, but [it] tastes like dessert!”

RASPBERRY "CHEESECAKE" JAR

Cheesecake Factory addicts, rejoice. “This treat-in-a-jar has dramatically fewer calories, and plenty more protein and calcium than your average slice of cheesecake,” says Newgent. Score! Here's how to whip it up at home: 1/2 cup low-fat cottage cheese

3/4 teaspoon grated lemon zest

1/8 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

1/8 teaspoon pure almond extract

1 1/2 teaspoons pure maple syrup, divided

1/3 cup mashed fresh or thawed frozen raspberries

1 whole grain graham cracker sheet, crumbled

Instructions: In a small bowl, stir together the cottage cheese, lemon zest, extracts, and 1 teaspoon of the maple syrup. In a separate small bowl, stir together the raspberries and remaining 1/2 teaspoon maple syrup. Add the graham cracker crumbs to an eight-ounce jar. Top with the cottage cheese mixture, then raspberry mixture, and serve or chill for later.

PEANUT BUTTER BANANA BITES

“These organic banana bites are simply delish and the new peanut butter flavor is to die for,” says Mitzi Dulan, R.D. Banana and PB are pretty much the all-star couple of healthy sweet treats. Hello, potassium!

If you need to get your cookie fix, these healthier bites will do just the trick. “They’re surprisingly simple to make and super tasty,” says Dulan. Even better: They're free of all the extra sugar in your usual go-to recipe.

Who says you can only enjoy the goodness of pumpkin spice around Thanksgiving? “Pumpkin is packed with fiber and vitamin A,” says Jim White, R.D. “Plus, using almond meal or coconut flour adds additional fiber and nutrients like magnesium, calcium, and iron.” Also, who knew you could make cake in the microwave?

1/4 cup + 1 tbsp pumpkin puree

1/4 cup egg whites

1/2 scoop vanilla protein powder

1/2 tbsp pumpkin spice

1/2 tbsp cinnamon, ground

2 tbsp almond meal (or coconut flour)

1 tbsp flaxseeds, ground

1/2 tsp baking powder

1/2 tsp Stevia

Mix all ingredients in a small bowl. Spray a mug or microwaveable-safe container with oil (or coat lightly with coconut oil). Microwave for three minutes max, checking after one minute, and again 30 seconds to one minute later. After cake rises, remove from microwave. Flip container upside down and allow cake to cool on a rack or plate.

Make room in your freezer for these delectable bites. “These single serving packets satisfy your sweet tooth immediately,” says White. Each 60-calorie serving contains just four grams of sugar.

CHOCOLATE MILK

This childhood staple is practically liquid dessert—but it's not as bad as you think. “There are eight grams of protein in an eight-ounce serving of milk,” says White. So your sweet tooth and your muscles will thank you for this treat! (For more tips on how to build muscle, pick upLift to Get Leanby Holly Perkins.)

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